# init(characters:length:) Returns an initialized `NSString` object that contains a given number of characters from a given C array of UTF-16 code units. ``` convenience init(characters: UnsafePointer, length: Int) ``` ## Parameters `characters` A C array of UTF-16 code units; the value must not be `NULL`. > Important: > Raises an exception if `characters` is `NULL`, even if `length` is `0`. `length` The number of characters to use from `characters`. ## Return Value An initialized `NSString` object containing `length` characters taken from `characters`. The returned object may be different from the original receiver. ## See Also [`+ stringWithCharacters:length:`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/stringWithCharacters:length:) Returns a string containing a given number of characters taken from a given C array of UTF-16 code units. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)